Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Tooth enamel is the hard, outer layer of your teeth that protects them from decay, sensitivity, and staining. The enamel is an extremely strong substance, but it can still wear down over time due to various factors. Once the enamel is gone, it cannot grow back, so it is important to take good care of it and prevent further damage.

Here are some ways to help protect your tooth enamel.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen your enamel and make it more resistant to acidic attacks. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help remineralize your enamel and prevent cavities.

Rinse Your Mouth With Water After Eating Or Drinking

Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking acidic, sugary, or starchy foods or drinks can help dilute the acids in your mouth and wash away decay-causing residue. This can reduce the amount of time that these substances stay in contact with your teeth and cause damage.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and help neutralize acids in your mouth. Saliva contains minerals that can help remineralize your enamel and prevent decay. For the most enamel protection, choose gum that contains xylitol, a natural sweetener that can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause cavities.

Avoid or Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acidic foods and drinks can weaken your enamel and make it more prone to decay. Try to avoid or limit foods and drinks that have a low pH level, such as citrus fruits, vinegar, soda, wine, and coffee. If you do consume them, drink them through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Limit Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates are found in sugary and starchy foods. The simple sugars in these items can feed the bacteria in your mouth that produce acids. These acids can dissolve your enamel and cause cavities. Try to avoid or limit foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar or starch, such as candy, cookies, bread, and pasta. If you do consume them, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Wear A Mouthguard If You Grind or Clench Your Teeth

Grinding or clenching your teeth (also known as bruxism) can put a lot of pressure on your enamel and cause it to crack or chip. This can expose the underlying dentin and pulp layers of your teeth, which are more sensitive and vulnerable to decay and infection. If you grind or clench your teeth at night or during the day, you should wear a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist to protect your teeth from damage.

For more ways to protect your tooth enamel, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.